Minutes_Sister City Relationships Advisory Commission 7 10 13Sister City Relationships Advisory Commission
DATE: Wednesday, July 10, 2013
TIME: 4:00 PM
PLACE: City Hall — Conference Room A, 50 W. 13th Street, Dubuque
MINUTES
1. Approval of May 15, 2013 Minutes: Motion by Thurn. Seconded by Ward. Motion carried 7 -0.
2. Oaths of Office — Bob Felderman and Nancy Rhomberg were administered by City Clerk Kevin
Firnstahl.
3. Sister Cities Relationships Updates
a) Pyatigorsk, Russia:
Jochum is working on making contacts with representatives.
b) Handan, China:
Landis reviewed the e-mail Council Member Lynch received from Li Zhiqiang of the Foreign
Affairs Office in Handan, China, about plans to send a delegation to Dubuque in September
2013 as part of the Iowa Sister States 30th Anniversary Year. Landis and Lynch will
respond and inquire about exact dates for planning purposes. Landis and Connors will
contact Mark Seckman of Greater Dubuque Development Corp about economic
development opportunities. It was suggested that Dan LoBianco of Dubuque Main Street
may provide some options. Discussion was given to scheduling special workshops, site
visits, school programs, and translators.
4. Dornbirn, Austria:
Landis advised that there has been a change in Dornbirn's Mayor, and that there might be a
civilian delegation visit the States in the future. Firnstahl will follow up with Eva Thurner about
the pending Dornbirn teacher sabbatical in Dubuque.
5. Bryant School/ Dornbirn Student E- Exchange Follow Up:
Thurn advised that there will be a change in the teacher she has been working with on the
Bryant School /Dornbirn School student exchange for next school year. Currently students are
acting as pen -pals in the classroom, but that parents approve of the student e- mailing each
other.
6. Library Archive and Display — Follow Up:
Landis advised that August /September are the Commission's month for display. He reported
on the discovery of a Russian sculpture and a possible TH article follow up. Jochum will help
with the new display.
7. Items from Commission:
Thurn reported on the opportunity for an International Speaker's Bureau for Fall 2013
regarding the experiences of persons who have just moved to Dubuque.
Felderman reported on outreach to immigrants by the Irish Ancient Order of the Hibernians.
Landis reported on Cedar Rapids /Des Moines area international trade councils and the
potential for starting a group in Dubuque.
It was noted that the By -Laws state an 11 member commission instead of 13. Firnstahl will
adjust and bring them back to a future meeting for adoption.
8. Items from Staff:
Firnstahl reported on a recent request for a membership orientation webinar /conference call
form Sister Cities International and if any commissioners were interested in participating;
framing the three Sister City official proclamations in a display with clocks displaying their local
times as a display in City Hall or the City Clerk's Office. He will also contact Airport Manager
Bob Grierson about future Sister City banners for the new airport terminal.
9. Next Meeting:
Firnstahl will contact the commission pending information coming from the Handan, China,
delegation
10. Adjournment:
Motion by Felderman to adjourn at 5:09 p.m. Seconded by Jochum. Motion carried 7 -0.
Prepared and submitted by Kevin S. Firnstahl, CMC, City Clerk